A cheapskate's guide to taking a road trip

By Shannon L. Cheesman, KATU.com Producer/Reporter

 Published: Mar 12, 2009 at 4:59 PM PST Last Updated: Mar 13, 2009 at 4:33 PM PST
A cheapskate's guide to taking a road trip »Play Video

PORTLAND, Ore. - If you're like a lot of people these days (myself included), you're trying to figure out how to take a vacation this year or even enjoy a weekend away from home without putting a huge dent in your budget.

With the economy in a slump, the good old-fashioned road trip is a good way to get out and play without spending a lot of money.  With so much to see and do in the Pacific Northwest, you really can have a great time close to home and of course, now that gas prices are way more reasonable than last year's $4 a gallon, it doesn't have to cost a small fortune. 

Even getting away for the day can really relax you and help you wash away some of those worries.

For example, just last weekend, I spent an afternoon in the Columbia River Gorge and used just 1/4 of a tank of gas (about $6 worth).  And because I packed my own water and snacks, that's all I spent to travel the scenic highway, take in the gorgeous view from the Vista House and stop at Multnomah Falls.  Photo gallery.

There are plenty of ways to save money when you head out.  The trick to keeping a road trip affordable is to remember that small expenses can really add up and that doing a little planning ahead of time can save you some dough. 

Here are some tips, courtesy of AAA Travel Expert Anne McAlpin:

  • Instead of stopping for fast food along the way, raid the fridge and pack your own food ahead of time.  Bring along sandwiches, snacks and drinks, for example.
  • Visit farmer's markets along the way.  Do a little research ahead of time and plot your stops.  "Then you're shopping locally, you're helping support the economy in those local areas, instead of the big box stores," McAlpin said.
  • If you really want a nice meal while you're on the road, consider doing lunch instead of dinner.  Lunches are usually a lot less expensive and you can still get some great food.
  • If you're staying at a hotel, ask if they have a complimentary breakfast.  That way you're not paying for an extra meal that you can get for free.

Here are some other ideas, based on my own travels:

  • Write out a budget so you know exactly how much you plan to spend on things like gas, lodging, food, etc.  How many times have you come home from a trip and had that sinking feeling in your stomach when you realized how much you spent?  Get an idea ahead of time so you don't end up surprised (and broke).
  • Map out your trip so you don't end up spending more money on gas than you have to.  And if you really want to save on gas, visit the Gas Buddy Web site and figure out where the cheap gas stations are along the way.
  • Focus on cheap entertainment.  Figure out where you can go for a hike, go fishing, visit a museum or historical landmark, shop for inexpensive trinkets, etc. Stop at a visitor's center and talk to the staff or pick up some brochures that show local attractions.  Ask folks in town if there is anything fun going on.
  • Check for discounts on lodging.  Many hotels, RV parks and campgrounds offer deals (like buy one night, get a second night free) that can save you money.  Not all deals may be online, so it's good to call and ask.
  • Are you a member of AAA or AARP?  Check to see if they've got discounts you can take advantage of. 
  • Campers can get a 10% discount at Good Sam-endorsed RV parks and campgrounds across North America with a club membership.  It's just $19 to join for a year and you also get a free subscription to Highways Magazine, customized RV trip planning and more.
  • Don't let car trouble eat a hole in your wallet.  Pack some basic tools in case you need them.  You can also throw in things like a spare fan belt, radiator hose, etc.  And of course, make sure you have a good spare tire. 
  • Take a family member or friend with you who can share in the expenses.  Splitting gas, lodging, etc. can cut the cost of a trip in half.

More Resources

Planning

Gas

Where to Stay

Motorcycle/Scooter Trips

Beyond the Pacific Northwest

Miscellaneous

Shannon L. Cheesman is a Portland-area Web Producer/Reporter who specializes in the outdoors. She writes and reports for Fisher Interactive Network, which consists of 13 local news/information Web sites in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and California.